Self-forming, self-aligned barriers for back-end interconnects and methods of making same

ABSTRACT

Processes of forming an insulated wire into an interlayer dielectric layer (ILD) of a back-end metallization includes thermally treating a metallic barrier precursor under conditions to cause at least one alloying element in the barrier precursor to form a dielectric barrier between the wire and the ILD. The dielectric barrier is therefore a self-forming, self-aligned barrier. Thermal processing is done under conditions to cause the at least one alloying element to migrate from a zone of higher concentration thereof to a zone of lower concentration thereof to further form the dielectric barrier. Various apparatus are made by the process.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/893,143, filed May 13, 2013, and entitled “SELF-FORMING, SELF-ALIGNED BARRIERS FOR BACK-END INTERCONNECTS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME,” which is a division of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/078,683, filed Apr. 1, 2011, and now U.S. Pat. No. 8,461,683, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the manner in which embodiments are obtained, a more particular description of various embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to the appended drawings. These drawings depict embodiments that are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not to be considered to be limiting in scope. Some embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization during processing according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 1b is a cross-section elevation of the back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 1a after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1c is a cross-section elevation of the back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 1b after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1d is a cross-section elevation of the back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 1c after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a computer recreation of a photo micrograph detail of a back-end metallization according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization during processing according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4b is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 4a after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4c is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 4b after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4d is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 4c after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization during processing according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5c is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 5a after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization during processing according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6c is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 6a after further processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a process and method flow diagram according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a computer system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Processes are disclosed where back-end metallizations are fabricated by self-forming, self-aligned (SSA) barriers to encapsulate the metallization. Where front-end processing may refer to formation of active and passive devices in semi conductive substrates, back-end metallization processing may refer to formation of metal traces and vias that allow a semi conductive microelectronic device to pin out to the outside world.

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like structures may be provided with like suffix reference designations. In order to show the structures of various embodiments more clearly, the drawings included herein are diagrammatic representations of integrated circuit structures. Thus, the actual appearance of the fabricated integrated circuit structures, for example in a photomicrograph, may appear different while still incorporating the claimed structures of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, the drawings may only show the structures useful to understand the illustrated embodiments. Additional structures known in the art may not have been included to maintain the clarity of the drawings.

FIG. 1a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization 100 during processing according to an example embodiment. A semi conductive substrate 110 is provided. In an embodiment, the semi conductive substrate 110 includes active and passive circuitry in semi conductive material. For example, the semi conductive substrate 110 is part of a processor manufactured by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In an embodiment, the semi conductive substrate 110 contains a system-on-chip (SoC) 110 such as a dual-processor microelectronic device. In an embodiment, the semi conductive substrate 110 includes a digital processor and radio-frequency integrated circuit (DP-RFIC) hybrid device 110. In an embodiment, the semi conductive substrate 110 includes an SoC 110 that includes a DP and a graphics (DP-GIC) hybrid.

It may be appreciated that “silicon” may refer to any useful semi conductive material such as Si, GaAs, InSb, doped versions of the former, and others, although each may have non-equivalent behavior that is useful for given applications. For example, a semi conductive substrate 110 may exhibit a resistivity in a range from 0.1 milliohm-cm to 20 milliohm-cm and be any useful silicon. In an embodiment, 32 nanometer architecture design rules are used to fabricate the semi conductive substrate 110. In an embodiment, 22 nanometer architecture design rules are used to fabricate the semi conductive substrate 110.

During processing, a low dielectric constant (low-k) interlayer dielectric layer (ILD) 112 is formed on the semi conductive substrate 110. The dielectric layer may be considered low-k if the dielectric constant is lower than that of silica. In an embodiment, the low-k ILD 112 is a silicon-containing material such as having a formulation that follows Si_(x)C_(y)O_(z)H_(q) where x, y, z, and q have amounts and ratios that are useful for a low-k ILD for back-end metallization applications

The low-k ILD 112 contains a barrier precursor 116 and a back-end metallization which has the form factor of a wire 118 seen in cross section, but has a lengthy aspect ratio when seen in an X-Y depiction. The wire 118 is processed to form an insulated wire according to several embodiments. Processing includes patterning a mask upon the low-k ILD 112, etching recesses, and filling the recesses with a liner film such as with a copper alloy that is the barrier precursor 116. In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is formed by physical vapor deposition (PVD). In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is sputtered from an aluminum-copper target and the barrier precursor 116 forms an Al_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Al_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for a self-forming, self-aligned barrier. In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is sputtered from a manganese-copper target and the barrier precursor 116 forms a Mn_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Mn_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier. In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is sputtered from a titanium-copper target and the barrier precursor 116 forms a Ti_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Ti_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier. In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is sputtered from a calcium-copper target and the barrier precursor 116 forms a Ca_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Ca_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier. In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is sputtered from a zirconium-copper target and the barrier precursor 116 forms a Zr_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Zr_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier. In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is sputtered from an aluminum-titanium-copper target and the barrier precursor 116 forms an Al_(x)Ti_(y)Cu_(z) alloy. In an embodiment, the Al_(x)Ti_(y)Cu_(z) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier. Where the wire 118 is copper or a copper alloy, other useful copper alloys may be used to form the barrier precursor 116.

After filling the wire 118 into the recesses that contain the barrier precursor 116, a top surface 120 may be formed such as by planarizing. In an embodiment, the top surface 120 is formed by mechanical planarizing. In an embodiment, the top surface 120 is formed by a chemical-planarizing etch. In an embodiment, the top surface 120 is formed by a chemical-mechanical-planarizing etch.

FIG. 1b is a cross-section elevation of the back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 1a after further processing according to an embodiment. The back-end metallization 101 has been processed by formation of a composite dielectric layer 122 upon the top surface 120 (FIG. 1a ). In an embodiment, the composite dielectric layer 122 includes a first film 124 that is substantially the same chemistry as the low-k ILD 112 such a silicon-containing material such as having a formulation that follows Si_(x)C_(y)O_(z)H_(q) where x, y, z, and q have amounts and ratios that are useful for a low-k ILD for back-end metallization applications. Other low-k ILD chemistries may be used depending upon a given application. Following formation of the first film 124, a second film 126 is formed that is denser than the first film 124. In an embodiment, the second film 126 is denser than the first film 124 by a factor in a range from 1.01 to 2.1 In an embodiment where the first film 124 is a silicon-containing material such as having a formulation that follows Si_(x)C_(y)O_(z)H_(q), the second film 126 has a composition of Si_(x)C_(y) In an embodiment, where the first film 124 has a thickness in a range from 12-18 nm, the second film 126 has a thickness in a range from 4-8 nm.

After forming the second film 126, a subsequent film 128 is formed above the denser second film 126. In an embodiment, the subsequent film 128 is the same material as the first film 124. In an embodiment, formation of each film in the composite dielectric 122 is done by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In an embodiment, formation of each film in the composite dielectric 122 is done by spinning on a material and curing.

FIG. 1c is a cross-section elevation of the back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 1b after further processing according to an embodiment. The back-end metallization 102 has been processed by thermal treatment that converts the barrier precursor 116 (see FIG. 1b ) into an SSA barrier 117 and thereby achieves an insulated wire 118. The self-formed, self-aligned barrier 117 is also an integral, continuous, and closed structure 117 as seen in the depicted X-Z cross section. Consequently, it may be understood that this is a cross-sectional view description where the meaning of “thermally treating causes the barrier precursor to form an integral, continuous, and closed structure that is self-formed and self-aligned around the wire”. Thermal processing may be carried out by heating the apparatus 102 in a non-reactive atmosphere at a temperature range from 300° C. to 400° C. for a time period from 1 to 60 min As illustrated, the self-forming, self-aligned barrier 117 has grown from a U- or cup-shaped barrier precursor 116 (FIG. 1b ) to become an enclosed barrier 117. The enclosed barrier 117 has grown onto the top surface 120 but only adjacent the wire 118. The enclosed barrier 117 has not grown significantly upon the low-k ILD 112 at the top surface 120. It is observed that the alloying element(s) in the barrier precursor 116 have been taken up by- and reacted with at least silicon and oxygen components in the ILD materials 112 and 124. Although no specific theory of formation is propounded, a migration-resistant husk may be formed within at least part of the enclosed barrier 117. Planar migration of alloying elements along the bottom, sides, and top of the wire 118 may occur by alloy-element disassociation out of the barrier precursor 116 where these alloy elements are in abundance to allow formation of the enclosed barrier 117. Planar migration of the alloy elements proceeds in the Z-direction along the wire 118 from the barrier precursor 116. Planar migration also proceeds in the X-direction (and the Y-direction which is into and out of the plane of the FIG.) along the wire 118 such that the enclosed barrier 117 has been formed. It is observed that the enclosed barrier 117 is a silicate that is richer in the alloy elements of the copper-alloy barrier precursor 116 and leaner in copper than the barrier precursor 116 before thermal processing.

In an embodiment, a copper-alloying-metal-containing complex barrier precursor 116 is formed such as an Al_(x)Cu_(z) alloy that is sputtered from an aluminum-copper target. During thermal processing although the enclosed barrier 117 begins to form a husk that resists diffusion of the barrier precursor alloy elements, the alloying metal remains mostly in place to form an SSA and a barrier liner layer where the SSA is an integral and enclosed barrier 117. Other complex barrier precursors may be sputtered such as a manganese-copper-metal. Other complex barrier precursors may be sputtered such as a cobalt-copper-metal. The alloying-metal-containing complex barrier precursor may be formulated as Mm_(x)Cu_(z) where Mm is the metal that tends to migrate.

FIG. 2 is a computer recreation of a photomicrograph detail 200 of a back-end metallization according to an example embodiment. A wire 218 of copper was filled into a recess that included a barrier precursor made of a copper-manganese alloy. A composite dielectric layer was formed over a top surface 220 that included both the top of the wire 218 and of a low-k ILD such as the low-k ILD 112 depicted in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b . Thermal processing was done on the apparatus such that the barrier precursor formed a silicide from the alloy elements in the copper barrier precursor; in this case from manganese. The thermal processing also resulted in migration of alloy elements out of the barrier precursor. The migration was to the top surface 220 to also form a silicide adjacent an ILD layer 224. The silicide is seen as a portion of an enclosed barrier 217. In an embodiment, the enclosed barrier 217 had a thickness 221 in a range from 2 nm to 2.6 nm. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 221 of the enclosed barrier 217 as seen in the Z-direction was from 2.2 nm to 2.4 nm along the top surface 220.

It may be understood by virtue of the process embodiments that achieve the enclosed barrier 217, that a copper-lean composition of silicide in the barrier 217 is adjacent the ILD layer 224, and that a copper-rich composition of silicide in the barrier 217 is adjacent the wire 218. Due to the thin nature of the barrier 217, extensive thermal processing may cause the barrier 217 to form a substantially uniform dielectric with respect to chemical composition. In such an embodiment, a “copper-lean composition of silicide” means a silicide that interfaces with an ILD and virtually no copper can be found at the interface, and a “copper-rich composition of silicide” means a silicide that interfaces with a copper wire.

FIG. 1d is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 1c after further processing according to an embodiment. The back-end metallization 103 is seen in larger context such as has been processed by thermal treatment that converts the barrier precursor 116 (see FIG. 1b ) into an SSA barrier 117.

An additional metallization has been formed over the back-end metallization 118. In a process embodiment, an interconnect film 130 is formed such as by copper electroless plating. A recess is opened in the composite dielectric layer 122 that exposes the wire 118, and the interconnect film 130 is formed in preparation for another metallization layer.

In an embodiment, the metallization layers may range from metal-1 (M1) to M12 for example. Where the wire 118 is an i^(th) metallization, the next metallization may be referred to as a subsequent wire i+1^(st) metallization 148 in n metallization layers such as M2 to M12 according to an embodiment. During processing, a via 134 is formed through the composite dielectric layer 122. It may now be appreciated that the via 134 and the subsequent wire 118 may be formed simultaneously and integrally such as by a dual-damascene recess that is lined with the interconnect film 130.

An i+1^(st) self-forming, self-aligned enclosed barrier 147 has also been formed in preparation for laying down the subsequent wire 148. Formation of the i+1^(st) self-forming, self-aligned barrier 147 may also be done similarly to formation of the i^(th) self-forming, self-aligned barrier 117. For example, a barrier precursor is formed similar to the barrier precursor 116 (see FIG. 1b ). The barrier precursor is filled with the i+1⁴ subsequent wire 148 and a composite dielectric layer similar to the composite dielectric layer 122 seen in FIG. 1b is formed on an i+1⁴ top surface 150. Next, thermal processing is repeated such that the i+1^(st) self-forming, self-aligned barrier 147 grows upon the top surface 150 but only on the wire 148.

It may now be appreciated that several metallization layers may be formed in this manner such that for example an M1-M12 metallization is achieved. In at least one of the metallization layers, an SSA barrier is formed according to an embodiment.

It may now also be appreciated that thermal budgets can be taken into consideration such that an entire metallization such as up to M12 is formed, but thermal processing is carried out only after all the metallizations have been installed. In this embodiment, the self-forming, self-aligned barriers of the several metallization layers are all formed simultaneously.

In an embodiment such as with multiple metallization layers being formed, a fraction of the metallization layers is formed followed by a first thermal processing. For example six metallization layers are formed (M1-M6) and first thermally processed, followed by six more metallizations (M7-M12) formed subsequently thermally processed. In an embodiment where the subsequent metallization is much thicker than the previous metallizations, SSA barriers may be formed upon the previous metallizations and no SSA barrier is formed upon the subsequent metallization. For example, a subsequent metallization may be thicker than all the previous metallizations put together (in the composite Z-direction), and thermal processing is done to form several SSA barriers in at least one of the previous metallizations, followed by forming the thicker subsequent metallization.

In an embodiment, the thermal budget is spent by thermally processing each metallization layer seriatim such that each self-forming, self-aligned barrier has been fully formed and alloy element migration is stopped. In an embodiment, the thermal budget is spent by thermally processing each metallization layer seriatim but each self-forming, self-aligned barrier is not fully thermally processed when it is the most recent self-forming, self-aligned barrier to be formed. In this way, the first self-forming, self-aligned barrier is fully thermally processed during thermal processing of a subsequent self-forming, self-aligned barrier.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization 300 according to an example embodiment. The back-end metallization 300 is depicted in a standard five-conductor configuration for evaluation of interconnect capacitance with n equal to three metallization layers or also as referred to as an M3 metallization. An i^(th) metallization includes a wire 318 and an SSA barrier 317 according to an embodiment. Consequently, the wire 318 is an insulated wire 318. A previous (i-1^(st)) self-forming, self-aligned barrier 307 is shown to enclose a previous wire 308, and a subsequent (i+1^(st)) self-forming, self-aligned barrier 367 is shown to enclose a subsequent wire 368. It can also be seen that a composite dielectric 302 has been formed above the wire 308, as well as a composite dielectric 322 has been formed above the wire 318 according to an embodiment. Where the subsequent wire 368 is the last wire in the back-end metallization a top dielectric layer 382 is formed. Other terminology may be applied to the several wires such as a first wire 308, a second wire 318, and a subsequent wire 368. It may be appreciated that the metallizations are connected though various vias, but none are depicted in FIG. 3.

It may also be appreciated that the three metallization layers illustrated may be the top three metallizations in a metallization such as M10. In this embodiment, M10 is the subsequent wire, M9 is the wire 318, and M08 is the previous wire 308. Other metallization numbers may be included such as each from M3 as the subsequent metallization up to M12 as the subsequent metallization. Higher than M12 may also be achieved when useful in a given application.

By use of the process embodiments, a lower capacitance is achieved such as in the five-electrode model. For example where an etch-stop layer may be required above the wire 318, the process embodiments do not use an etch-stop layer and capacitance is lowered by about 10% for such a five-conductor model.

FIG. 4a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization 400 during processing according to an example embodiment. A semi conductive substrate 410 is provided. In an embodiment, the semi conductive substrate 410 includes any semi conductive substrate embodiment depicted and described for the structures in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c , and 1 d.

During processing, a low-k ILD 412 is formed on the semi conductive substrate 410. In an embodiment, the low-k ILD 412 is any embodiment depicted and described for the structure in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c , and 1 d.

The low-k ILD 412 contains a barrier liner 414 and a barrier precursor 416, as well as a back-end metallization which has the form factor of a wire 418. Processing includes patterning a mask upon the low-k ILD 412, etching recesses, and filling the recesses with a barrier liner 414 as well as a liner film such as with a copper alloy that is the barrier precursor 416. In an embodiment the barrier liner 414 is a refractory metal. In an embodiment the barrier liner 414 is a tantalum or a tantalum alloy. Other metals may be used such as titanium. Other metals may be used such as vanadium. In an embodiment the barrier liner 414 is a ruthenium or a ruthenium alloy. Other metals may be used such as osmium. In an embodiment the barrier liner 414 is cobalt or a cobalt alloy. Other metals may be used such as rhodium. Other metals may be used such as iridium.

In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is formed by PVD, followed by the barrier precursor 416 is formed by PVD. In an embodiment, the barrier precursor 416 is sputtered from an aluminum-copper target and the barrier precursor 416 forms an Al_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. The Al_(x)Cu_(y) alloy may be formulated in connection with a useful barrier liner. In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is any of the above given barrier liners and the barrier precursor 416 is Al_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Al_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier.

In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is formed by PVD, the barrier precursor 416 is sputtered from a manganese-copper target, and the barrier precursor 416 forms a Mn_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. The Mn_(x)Cu_(y) alloy may be formulated in connection with a useful barrier liner. In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is any of the above given barrier liners and the barrier precursor 416 is Mn_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Mn_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier.

In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is formed by PVD and the barrier precursor 416 is sputtered from a titanium-copper target and the barrier precursor 416 forms a Ti_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. The Ti_(x)Cu_(y) alloy may be formulated in connection with a useful barrier liner. In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is any of the above given barrier liners and the barrier precursor 416 is Ti_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Ti_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier.

In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is formed by PVD and the barrier precursor 416 is sputtered from a calcium-copper target and the barrier precursor 416 forms a Ca_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. The Ca_(x)Cu_(y) alloy may be formulated in connection with a useful barrier liner. In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is any of the above given barrier liners and the barrier precursor 416 is Ca_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Ca_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier.

In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is formed by PVD and the barrier precursor 416 is sputtered from a zirconium-copper target and the barrier precursor 416 forms a Zr_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. The Zr_(x)Cu_(y) alloy may be formulated in connection with a useful barrier liner. In an embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is any of the above given barrier liners and the barrier precursor 416 is Zr_(x)Cu_(y) alloy. In an embodiment, the Zr_(x)Cu_(y) alloy is formulated to make a useful barrier precursor for an SSA barrier.

After filling the wire 418 into the recesses that contain the barrier liner 414 and the barrier precursor 416, a top surface 420 may be formed such as by planarizing.

FIG. 4b is a cross-section elevation of the back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 4a after further processing according to an embodiment. The back-end metallization 401 has been processed by formation of a composite dielectric layer 422 upon the top surface 420 (FIG. 4a ). In an embodiment, the composite dielectric layer 422 includes a first film 424 that is substantially the same chemistry as the low-k ILD 412. Following formation of the first film 424, a second film 426 is formed that is denser than the first film 424. In an embodiment, the second film 426 is denser than the first film 424 by a factor in a range from 1.01 to 2 In an embodiment, where the first film 424 has a thickness in a range from 12-18 nm, the second film 426 has a thickness in a range from 4-8 nm.

After forming the second film 426, a subsequent film 428 is formed above the denser second film 426. In an embodiment, the subsequent film 428 is the same material as the first film 424. Formation of each film in the composite dielectric 422 may be done by spinning on a material and curing.

FIG. 4c is a cross-section elevation of the back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 4b after further processing according to an embodiment. The back-end metallization 402 has been processed by thermal treatment that converts the barrier precursor 416 (see FIG. 4b ) into an SSA barrier 417 that is supported on three of four surfaces by the barrier liner 414. Thermal processing may be carried out by heating the apparatus 402 in a non-reactive atmosphere at a temperature range from 300° C. to 400° C. for a time period from 1 to 60 minAs illustrated, the self-forming, self-aligned barrier 417 has grown from a U- or cup-shaped barrier precursor 416 (FIG. 4b ) to become an enclosed barrier 417 and thereby an insulated wire 418 is insulated in the Z-direction. The top barrier 417 has grown onto the top surface 420 but only adjacent the wire 418. The top barrier 417 has not grown significantly upon the low-k ILD 412 at the top surface 420. It is observed that the alloying element(s) in the barrier precursor 416 have been taken up by- and reacted with at least silicon and oxygen components in the high-k ILD materials 412 and 424. Although no specific theory of formation is propounded, migration of the alloying element in the barrier precursor 416 is facilitated by presence of the barrier liner 414 and sufficient amounts of the alloying element has formed the top barrier 417 by a silicide process that uses at least silicon and oxygen in the ILD material 424. Planar migration of alloying elements may occur by alloy-element disassociation out of the barrier precursor 416 where these alloy elements are in abundance to allow formation of the top barrier 417. Planar migration of the alloy elements proceeds in the Z-direction along the wire 418 from the barrier precursor 416. Planar migration also proceeds in the X-direction (and the Y-direction which is into and out of the plane of the FIG.) along the wire 418 such that the top barrier 417 has been formed. It is observed that the top barrier 417 is a silicate that is richer in the alloy elements of the copper-alloy barrier precursor 416 and leaner in copper than the barrier precursor 416 before thermal processing.

FIG. 1d is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 1c after further processing according to an embodiment. The back-end metallization 403 is seen in larger context such as has been processed by thermal treatment that converts the barrier precursor 416 (see FIG. 4b ) into an SSA barrier 417. An additional metallization has been formed over the back-end metallization 418. In an embodiment, the metallization layers may range from M1 to M12 for example. Where the wire 418 is an n^(th) metallization, the next metallization may be referred to as a subsequent wire n+1⁴ metallization 448. During processing, a via 434 is formed through the composite dielectric layer 422. An n+1⁴ self-forming, self-aligned enclosed barrier 447 has also been formed in preparation for laying down the subsequent wire 448. Formation of the n+1^(st) self-forming, self-aligned barrier 447 may also be done similarly to formation of the n^(th) self-forming, self-aligned barrier 417. It may now be appreciated that several metallization layers may be formed in this manner such that for example an M1-M12 metallization is achieved. In at least one of the metallization layers, an SSA barrier is formed according to an embodiment.

It may now also be appreciated that thermal budgets can be taken into consideration such that an entire metallization such as up to M12 is formed, but thermal processing is carried out only after all the metallizations have been installed. In this embodiment, the self-forming, self-aligned barriers of the several metallization layers are all formed simultaneously.

In an embodiment such as with multiple metallization layers being formed, a fraction of the metallization layers is formed followed by a first thermal processing. For example six metallization layers are formed (M1-M6) and first thermally processed, followed by six more metallizations (M7-M12) formed subsequently thermally processed.

In an embodiment, the thermal budget is spent by thermally processing each metallization layer seriatim such that each self-forming, self-aligned barrier has been fully formed and alloy element migration is stopped. In an embodiment, the thermal budget is spent by thermally processing each metallization layer seriatim but each self-forming, self-aligned barrier is not fully thermally processed when it is the most recent self-forming, self-aligned barrier to be formed. In this way, the first self-forming, self-aligned barrier is fully thermally processed during thermal processing of a subsequent self-forming, self-aligned barrier.

FIG. 5a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization 500 during processing according to an example embodiment. Structures depicted include a semi conductive substrate 510 and a low-k ILD 512. Also, a barrier precursor 516 is formed as a slug in the bottom of a recess and a wire 518 is filled and polished back to expose a top surface 520.

FIG. 5c is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 5a after further processing according to an embodiment. The structure 502 has been thermally processed such that an SSA barrier 517 has enclosed the wire 418 and thereby achieves an insulated wire 518. The self-forming, self-aligned barrier 517 has been converted from the barrier precursor 516 (FIG. 5a ) and sufficient migration has occurred to achieve a silicate enclosure 517. Migration of alloy elements from the barrier precursor also is seen in a composite dielectric layer 522 that includes individual layers 524, 526, and 528 that are similar to the layers 124, 126, and 128 according to an embodiment. Further processing may be done that is similar to the processing depicted and described in FIGS. 1c and 1 d.

FIG. 6a is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization 600 during processing according to an example embodiment. Structures depicted include a semi conductive substrate 610 and a low-k ILD 612. Also, a barrier liner 614 is formed and barrier precursor 616 is formed as a slug in the bottom of a recess that is lined with the barrier liner 614. A wire 618 is filled into the recess and polished back to expose a top surface 620. The barrier liner 614 may be any of the barrier liner embodiments set forth in this disclosure such as the barrier line 414 depicted in FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 6c is a cross-section elevation of a back-end metallization depicted in FIG. 6a after further processing according to an embodiment. The structure 602 has been thermally processed such that an SSA barrier 617 has enclosed the wire 618 by forming a top barrier 617 and thereby an insulated wire 618 is insulated in the Z-direction. The self-forming, self-aligned barrier 617 has been converted from the barrier precursor slug 616 (FIG. 6a ) and sufficient migration has occurred to achieve a silicate top barrier 617. Migration of alloy elements from the barrier precursor slug 616 also is seen in a composite dielectric layer 622 that includes individual layers 624, 626, and 628 that are similar to the layers 124, 126, and 128 according to an embodiment. Further processing may be done that is similar to the processing depicted and described in FIGS. 4c and 4 d.

FIG. 7 is a process and method flow diagram 700 according to an example embodiment. At 710, the process includes forming a recess in a low-k ILD above a semi conductive substrate. By way of non-limiting example, the recess that holds the barrier precursor 116 and the wire 118 is formed above a semi conductive substrate 112 as illustrated in FIG. 1a . In a non-limiting example embodiment, the recess that holds the wire 318 is formed in the low-k ILD 312. The low-k ILD 312 is above a semi conductive substrate 310 as well as above at least one other wire 308.

At 720, the process includes forming a barrier liner in the recess. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the barrier liner 414 is first formed in the recess that also holds the barrier precursor 416 and the wire 418.

At 722, the process may skip the process 730 where no barrier liner is installed. At 730, the process includes forming a barrier precursor in the recess. It may be seen that the process at 730 may be reached without using the process at 720. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the barrier precursor 116 is formed as seen in FIG. 1a . In a non-limiting example embodiment, the barrier precursor 416 is formed upon the barrier liner 414 in the recess as seen in FIG. 4a . In a non-limiting example embodiment, the barrier precursor 516 is formed as a slug in the recess as seen in FIG. 5a . In a non-limiting example embodiment, the barrier precursor 616 is formed as a slug 616 upon the barrier liner 614 in the recess as seen in FIG. 6 a.

At 740, the process includes filling a wire onto the barrier precursor in the recess. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the wire 118 is filled onto the barrier precursor 116 as depicted in FIG. 1a . It may now be see that forming multiple metallizations such as an M1 to an M12 may be done by repeating processing as described and illustrated in several embodiments.

At 742, the process may be directed back to 710 for the formation of an i+1⁴ wire where the current wire is the i^(th) wire.

At 743, the process may proceed without coupling two wires such as proceeding directly to thermal treatment after filling a wire onto a barrier precursor.

At 750, the process includes coupling two wires such as an i^(th) wire with an i+1^(st) wire. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the first wire 118 is coupled to the subsequent wire 148 through the first via 134. The first wire in this embodiment is the i^(th) wire 118, a via recess is formed in a dual-damascene process to form an i^(th) via 134, followed by a subsequent-wire recess is formed into which the subsequent wire 148 (i+1⁴ wire 148) is filled.

At 752, any of the preceding processes may be repeated in order to form subsequent metallizations before thermally treating the barrier precursor. It may now be understood that incidental processing may also advance formation of individual self-forming, self-aligned barriers such as thermal curing of any ILD layers. In a non-limiting example embodiment, all wires in a useful metallization are formed followed by a single thermal treatment that is of sufficient conditions to achieve self-forming, self-aligned barriers on all- or selected wires in the metallization.

At 760, the process includes thermally treating the barrier precursor under conditions to form an SSA barrier. In a non-limiting example embodiment, thermal processing is carried out by heating the apparatus 102 as seen in FIG. 1c in a non-reactive atmosphere at a temperature range from 200° C. to 300° C. for a time period from 30 sec to 60 min. It may now be understood that the process at 762 may be repeated for each individual metallization where this processing method is useful. It may now be understood that the process at 762 may be repeated for groups of metallizations less than the total of n metallizations where this processing method is useful. It may now be understood that the process at 762 may be skipped and all n metallizations are thermally processed just once near the end of processing where this processing method is useful.

At 770, a method embodiment includes assembling the semi conductive substrate to a computer system after completing the metallization(s).

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a computer system according to an embodiment.

The computer system 800 (also referred to as the electronic system 800) as depicted can embody a metallization of at least one self-forming, self-aligned barriers according to any of the several disclosed embodiments and their equivalents as set forth in this disclosure. A semiconductor substrate that bears self-forming, self-aligned barriers in the metallization is assembled to a computer system. The computer system 800 may be a mobile device such as a netbook computer. The computer system 800 may be a mobile device such as a wireless smart phone. The computer system 800 may be a desktop computer. The computer system 600 may be a hand-held reader. The computer system 600 may be integral to an automobile. The computer system 800 may be integral to a television.

In an embodiment, the electronic system 800 is a computer system that includes a system bus 820 to electrically couple the various components of the electronic system 800. The system bus 820 is a single bus or any combination of busses according to various embodiments. The electronic system 800 includes a voltage source 830 that provides power to the integrated circuit 810. In some embodiments, the voltage source 830 supplies current to the integrated circuit 810 through the system bus 820.

The integrated circuit 810 is electrically coupled to the system bus 820 and includes any circuit, or combination of circuits according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the integrated circuit 810 includes a processor 812 that can be of any type of semi conductive substrate that is metalized with a self-formed, self-aligned barrier embodiment. As used herein, the processor 812 may mean any type of circuit such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, or another processor. In an embodiment, the processor 812 is the embedded die disclosed herein. In an embodiment, SRAM embodiments are found in memory caches of the processor. Other types of circuits that can be included in the integrated circuit 810 are a custom circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), such as a communications circuit 814 for use in wireless devices such as cellular telephones, smart phones, pagers, portable computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems. In an embodiment, the processor 810 includes on-die memory 816 such as static random-access memory (SRAM). In an embodiment, the processor 810 includes embedded on-die memory 816 such as embedded dynamic random-access memory (eDRAM).

In an embodiment, the integrated circuit 810 is complemented with a subsequent integrated circuit 811 such as a graphics processor or a radio-frequency integrated circuit or both as set forth in this disclosure. In an embodiment, the dual integrated circuit 810 includes embedded on-die memory 817 such as eDRAM. The dual integrated circuit 811 includes an RFIC dual processor 813 and a dual communications circuit 815 and dual on-die memory 817 such as SRAM. In an embodiment, the dual communications circuit 815 is particularly configured for RF processing.

In an embodiment, at least one passive device 880 is coupled to the subsequent integrated circuit 811 such that the integrated circuit 811 and the at least one passive device are part of the any hybrid SoC device that includes the integrated circuit 810 and the integrated circuit 811 capabilities with partitioned front-end passive devices 880 such as supported by the package substrate.

In an embodiment, the electronic system 800 also includes an external memory 840 that in turn may include one or more memory elements suitable to the particular application, such as a main memory 842 in the form of RAM, one or more hard drives 844, and/or one or more drives that handle removable media 846, such as diskettes, compact disks (CDs), digital variable disks (DVDs), flash memory drives, and other removable media known in the art. The external memory 840 may also be embedded memory 848 such as a hybrid SoC device that is metalized with at least one self-formed, self-aligned barrier according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the electronic system 800 also includes a display device 850, and an audio output 860. In an embodiment, the electronic system 800 includes an input device such as a controller 870 that may be a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, keypad, trackball, game controller, microphone, voice-recognition device, or any other input device that inputs information into the electronic system 800. In an embodiment, an input device 870 includes a camera. In an embodiment, an input device 870 includes a digital sound recorder. In an embodiment, an input device 870 includes a camera and a digital sound recorder.

A foundation substrate 890 may be part of the computing system 800. In an embodiment, the foundation substrate 890 is a motherboard that supports an SSA barrier that contacts metallization wire embodiments. In an embodiment, the foundation substrate 890 is a board which supports an integral dielectric barrier contacted metallization wire embodiment is mounted. In an embodiment, the foundation substrate 890 incorporates at least one of the functionalities encompassed within the dashed line 890 and is a substrate such as the user shell of a wireless communicator.

As shown herein, the integrated circuit 810 can be implemented in a number of different embodiments, including a semi conductive substrate that is metalized with at least one self-formed, self-aligned barrier according to any of the several disclosed embodiments and their equivalents, an electronic system, a computer system, one or more methods of fabricating an integrated circuit, and one or more methods of fabricating an SSA barrier that includes a semi conductive substrate that is metalized with at least one self-formed, self-aligned barrier according to any of the several disclosed embodiments as set forth herein in the various embodiments and their art-recognized equivalents. The elements, materials, geometries, dimensions, and sequence of operations can all be varied to suit particular I/O coupling requirements including a semi conductive substrate that is metalized with at least one self-formed, self-aligned barrier embodiments and their equivalents.

Although a die may refer to a processor chip, an RF chip, an RFIC chip, IPD chip, or a memory chip may be mentioned in the same sentence, but it should not be construed that they are equivalent structures. Reference throughout this disclosure to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this disclosure are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Terms such as “upper” and “lower” “above” and “below” may be understood by reference to the illustrated X-Z coordinates, and terms such as “adjacent” may be understood by reference to X-Y coordinates or to non-Z coordinates.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment.

It will be readily understood to those skilled in the art that various other changes in the details, material, and arrangements of the parts and method stages which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention as expressed in the subjoined claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer on a substrate and having a recess therein; a metal conductor provided in the recess; a liner between the metal conductor and the ILD layer, the liner including tantalum; a top layer on a top surface of the metal conductor, the top layer including manganese or cobalt.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dielectric film on the ILD layer adjacent to the top layer and on the top layer.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dielectric film is in contact with the ILD layer adjacent to the top layer.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dielectric film is substantially the same chemistry as the ILD layer.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liner and the top layer form a barrier structure that contacts and encloses a bottom surface, the top surface, and side surfaces of the metal conductor.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a composite dielectric layer on the ILD layer and the top layer, wherein the composite dielectric includes: a first dielectric film on the ILD layer and the top layer; a second dielectric film on the first dielectric film, wherein the second dielectric film is denser that the first dielectric film; and a subsequent dielectric film on the second dielectric film.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second dielectric film is denser that the first dielectric film by a factor in a range from 1.01 to
 2. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liner is in contact with a bottom surface and side surfaces of the metal conductor.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the metal conductor is formed of copper, and wherein the top layer further includes silicon.
 10. A method for forming a back-end metallization, the method comprising: forming a recess in an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer; forming a liner in the recess, the liner including tantalum; forming a precursor material in the recess on the liner, the precursor material including a metal and manganese or cobalt; forming a metal conductor in the recess on the precursor material; and thermally treating the precursor material to cause manganese or cobalt of the precursor material to migrate to a top surface of the conductor to form a top layer on the top surface of the conductor, wherein the top layer includes manganese or cobalt.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming a dielectric film on the ILD layer and the metal conductor, wherein the dielectric film includes silicon, and wherein the thermally treating the precursor material causes the manganese of the precursor material to migrate to a region of the dielectric film on the top surface of the conductor to convert the region of the dielectric film to the top layer.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the dielectric film is substantially the same chemistry as the ILD layer.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the dielectric film is a first dielectric film, and wherein the method further comprises: forming a second dielectric film on the first dielectric film, wherein the second dielectric film is denser that the first dielectric film; and forming a subsequent dielectric film on the second dielectric film.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second dielectric film is denser that the first dielectric film by a factor in a range from 1.01 to
 2. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the liner and the top layer form a continuous and closed barrier structure that encloses a bottom surface, the top surface, and side surfaces of the metal conductor.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the metal of the precursor material is the same as a metal of the metal conductor.
 17. A computing system comprising: a foundation substrate; a memory coupled to the foundation substrate; a processor coupled the foundation substrate, the processor including: an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer on a substrate and having a recess therein; a metal conductor in the recess; a liner in the recess between the metal conductor and the ILD layer, the liner including tantalum; a top layer on a top surface of the metal conductor, the top layer including manganese or cobalt, wherein the top layer and the liner form a continuous and closed barrier structure that encloses a bottom surface, the top surface, and side surfaces of the metal conductor; and a dielectric film on the ILD layer adjacent to the top layer and on the top layer.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the dielectric film is in contact with the ILD layer adjacent to the top layer.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the dielectric film is substantially the same chemistry as the ILD layer.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the dielectric film is a first dielectric film, and wherein the processor further includes: a second dielectric film disposed on the first dielectric film; and a subsequent dielectric film disposed on the second dielectric film, wherein the second dielectric film is denser that the first dielectric film and the subsequent dielectric film.
 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the second dielectric film is denser than the first dielectric film and the subsequent dielectric film by a factor in a range from 1.01 to
 2. 22. The system of claim 17, wherein the liner is in contact with the bottom surface and side surfaces of the metal conductor.
 23. The system of claim 17, further comprising a display device coupled to the foundation substrate.
 24. The system of claim 17, wherein the processor is a system-on-chip (SoC), that includes an on-die memory, a processing circuit, and a communications circuit.
 25. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is a mobile wireless communication device. 